lightning tracks - lorton station shp · 2020. 3. 19. · lightning tracks 1 dear parents and...
TRANSCRIPT
Lightning Tracks 1
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the holiday season nears, you may be considering purchasing a computing device for
your child. A variety of products including netbooks, tablets, smartphones, and e-book
readers are available and offer many powerful tools for you to choose from.
As you know, we have been encouraging students to bring their own device to school as
part of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program,
http://www.fcps.edu/it/byod/index.shtml. Although Fairfax County Public Schools
(FCPS) does not require students to purchase their own devices, if you are considering
purchasing a device that your child could use during the school day or at home, please
review the specifications listed below.
While we cannot recommend specific models or devices, we encourage you to buy a
product that includes these features to ensure your child has the greatest possible access to
the educational resources that will support and enhance their learning. You might wish to
bring the list below into the store and ask the salesperson if the device, you are
considering, meets these specifications.
Recommended Specifications for Student Devices
wireless networking capability using 802.11g or n (the district provides filtered
wireless access in all buildings for students bringing a device)
a color screen
an on screen or external keyboard or other means of entering text
an audio-out port and earbuds or headphones
a minimum 4 hours of use from one battery charge
the ability to run a full functioning, recent web browser (Firefox, Internet
Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari) that will allow it to access Google Apps for
Education tools and other learning resources provided by FCPS
a virus protection program (for computers running a Windows or Macintosh
computer operating system)
You may also wish to consider these features:
a camera that takes both still photos and video (front and rear cameras are most
versatile)
a microphone
productivity software (word processing, drawing, spreadsheet tools) that can be
used when an Internet connection is not available
the capacity to run graphing calculator software
In addition to all of the retailer incentives and promotions this holiday season, FCPS has
partnered with Dell, HP, and Microsoft to provide discounted devices and software for all
students in FCPS. You can access more information at our Technology@Home site,
http://www.fcps.edu/it/technology/TechnologyHome.shtml
Whether writing a paper, solving math problems, researching a topic, or collaborating with
fellow students, portable technology can help your child better complete his or her school
work and assist them in developing skills that will prepare them for their future.
Lightning Tracks News from Lorton Station and the School and Home Partnership December 2013
CALL SHEET Principal: Joanne Jackson [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Julia “Jodi” Santiago [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Raquel Alcaraz-Figueroa [email protected]
Address: 9298 Lewis Chapel Road Lorton, VA 22079
Phone: 571-642-6000 Attendance: 571-642-6060 Health Room: 571-642-6010
Fax: 571-642-6097
Web Site: www.fcps.edu/lortonstationes
SHP Leadership
President: Nannette Henderson [email protected] 1
st Vice President:
Betty Dang [email protected] 2
nd Vice President:
Toni Russo [email protected] Secretary: Melanie Mercado [email protected] Treasurer: Dee Dee Brooks [email protected] LSES SHP website: www.lortonstationshp.org
Lightning Tracks 2
Health Article By Uchechi Isirimah (SHP – Health and Safety
Committee)
Often times during the Winter Break parents find themselves trying to get caught up with projects around the house, traveling, and giving their children time to play with all the wonderful gifts they received. But this holiday I challenge you to do something different with your child. This is a good opportunity for you to talk to them about school, their friends, and their teachers. Plan an activity such as making a 2013 year in review scrapbook or cooking a healthy snack such as fruit kabobs or mini pizzas on whole wheat English muffin. Talking while doing something fun makes tough questions easier to ask and answer. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with day to day activities and obligations, so find a moment to reconnect this holiday season. Who knows, you may find out something new about your amazing child.
For Station
Celebration on
Saturday, March 29, 2014. Current plans are for it to include a fun run, health and safety fair, and the Spring Scholastic
Book Fair.
book fair.
Small Contributions
Can Make a Big Difference Collect your beverage can tabs to be recycled to benefit the
Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald Houses collect
tabs instead of entire aluminum cans because it's more
hygienic to store tabs than cans, and collection and storage
is easier. The program is an easy way for people of all ages
to support RMHC and know they are making a difference for
families and children. Source: http://rmhc.org.
This project is goal three of the school improvement plan,
which is responsibility to community.
Lightning Tracks 3
THE RESULTS FOR THE FALL FUNDRAISER ARE IN…
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICPATED IN THIS YEAR’S JAVA JOE
AND NO HASSLE FUNDRAISERS! Our fall fundraiser goal was set at $5,500 for this
year. While the participation in the Java Joe’s fundraiser was lower than anticipated, the
difference was made up in participation in the “no hassle” option, and we ended up
exceeding our goal by almost $1,000. The No Hassle fundraiser has brought in over $3,600
so far this year. And remember, those donations may be made at any time throughout the
year and are tax deductible. Receipts for documentation for tax purposes will be sent via
email where we have email addresses available; otherwise, they will be sent home through
the Tuesday folders. If you have any questions about the fall fundraiser, please contact Toni
Russo, SHP 2nd
VP, at [email protected].
$6,403.75
Lightning Tracks 4
Advanced Academic Program (AAP)
Referral and Screening Information Session
There will be an information session regarding Fairfax County’s Advanced
Academic Program (AAP) screening process on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 from
6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lorton Station cafeteria.
Information about the referral and screening process will be presented along
with parent information packets and forms.
Please contact Patty Settel, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at (571) 642-
6000 or at [email protected] if you should have any questions regarding this
session.
Please mark your calendars for Fairfax Couty
Association for the Gifted's (FCAG) Summer
Enrichment Camp Fair, which will take place
on Wednesday, January 22nd 2014 from
7:30pm to 9pm in the Oakton High School
Cafeteria.
Exhibitors from a variety of enrichment camp
programs in the area will be available to
discuss their summer offerings and answer
any questions. This event is free and open to
the public.
Lightning Tracks 5
Reprinted from the Utah County Health Department:
Brrrr, It’s Cold Outside!
Dressing for Chilly Climates
Wearing the appropriate winter clothing is a good idea if you are planning to venture out in cold weather.
This is especially true for children. First, you should make sure to dress them in several different layers of
clothing. This will help to keep them warm and dry as they play outdoors. These layers can easily be
removed should your child get too hot.
Layer it on
For long exposure to cold weather and for extreme cold, the innermost layers (next to skin) should be made
of material that can “wick” away moisture. Long underwear made of non-absorbent synthetic materials
works well. Cotton retains moisture and if wet, can result in loss of body heat no matter how well your outer
layers fend off the rain and snow. The middle layers should insulate - polar fleece, down, or wool (bibs,
pants, sweaters, down vests, etc) are good insulating materials. Finally, the outermost layer (shell) should
protect from wind and water. Finish by dressing in thick socks with waterproof boots that have good treads
on the bottom---this will provide more traction in the snow and prevent them from falling.
Cap It Off!
Just before going outside, make sure you put on earmuffs, thick gloves, and especially a hat. Much of a
person’s body heat is lost through the top of their head, so by helping your child to follow these simple steps
will keep them warm and prevent them from getting too cold.
Drink Up!
Did you know that drinking liquids is important even in colder weather? It’s true! As people breathe in and
out, the body loses a large volume of water. Giving your child soup or cider to drink will not only help them
to warm them up from the inside out, but will keep them well hydrated.
Teeth-chattering
As most parents know, the human body is designed to protect us from any perceived threat or danger.
Visible shivering or chattering of the teeth is an indication that the body’s internal temperature is beginning
to drop. Feeling dizzy or weak is another sign of this. If your child is beginning to exhibit these symptoms,
tell them to come inside and take a break for a while by doing some type of indoor activity until they are
ready to start again.
Wintertime can be an exciting time to play outside, but make sure you and your children are well-prepared
and well-dressed for the occasion.
For more wintertime safety visit: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/
Lightning Tracks 6
Apps for Education : Frequently Asked Questions What is Google Apps for Education? FCPS Google Apps for Education (GAE) is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed
by FCPS. GAE will provide the ability for FCPS students, faculty and staff to communicate, store files and collaborate on documents,
spreadsheets, and presentations in real time from school, work, or home, all within a secure “closed campus” online environment.
How will it be used?
Google Apps will provide the ability for students and teachers to store files and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and
presentations in real time from school or home within a “closed campus” online environment. The use of these tools is optional, and
intended to provide an approved and supportable alternative to “consumer” Google accounts.
What can my student/child do with Google Apps? Students will have easy access to their documents, spreadsheets, and presentations within Google Docs. In addition, students will
have additional storage for other files they may need to use between home and school.
As the use of FCPS Google Apps continues, there may be other features that are added within Google Apps for Education. You will
be informed about any significant changes to the tools your student is using in the secure FCPS environment.
Costs and Fees How much is FCPS paying for this? Google Apps for Education is free to FCPS.
Computer Access What if I don’t have a computer, how is my child going to get to use it? The use of FCPS Google Apps for Education is part of the instructional program and students have many opportunities to work in
their FCPS Google Apps account during the school day. Because FCPS Google Apps for Education is safe and web based, it can be
accessed from the public library or other places where computers are available.
Should I get my child their own computer? The use of FCPS Google Apps for Education does not require students to have their own computer or any other personal device.
That is an individual family decision.
How will my child access FCPS Google Apps for Education? With teacher guidance, students must first activate their GAE account and set their password from a computer at school. Once the
student has an active account, there are a variety of ways to log in:
Go to http://www.fcpsschools.net and log in using his or her GAE username and password.
Go to http://www.google.com and log in using his or her full GAE mail address ([email protected]) and password.
Teachers may choose to provide a link from within Blackboard FCPS 24-7; however your child will always need to enter his
or her GAE username and password to successfully log in to FCPS Google Apps.
Mozilla Firefox v10.0.2 or later is the FCPS recommended browser for Google Apps. Learn more about other supported
browsers at http://support.google.com/a/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=33864.
Why Use Google Apps for Education? Why is the school system doing this? "Digital Citizenship” and “21st Century Skills” are concepts which help teachers, technology leaders and parents to understand what
students/children/technology users should know to use technology appropriately. Digital Citizenship and 21st Century Skills are more
than just a teaching tool; using these tools can be a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Too
often we are seeing students as well as adults misusing and abusing technology but not sure what to do. The issue is more than what
the users do not know but what is considered appropriate technology usage.”
http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/
http://www.p21.org/index.php/
Why do students need an e-mail in elementary school? Isn’t there another way to communicate? Currently FCPS is piloting Google Apps for Education at 16 elementary sties. Providing elementary students with a closed email
address will allow for streamlined collaboration among their peers and teachers, and provides a consistent digital tool that can be
accessed from home and at school. This will also allow email to become an instructional tool and allows elementary students to
participate in authentic online learning in a safe environment.
Lightning Tracks 7
Why do we need Google Apps for Education when we already have FCPS 24-7? FCPS 24-7 Learning is the online resource that allows Fairfax County Public Schools students to extend learning beyond the
traditional school day and beyond school facilities. Use FCPS 24-7 Learning to access homework and classroom assignments,
view class calendars, explore links to enrichment activities, and update emergency contact information.
What is the value of Google Apps for Education (GAE)? Classroom collaboration, Students and teachers can open and edit their documents quickly. No more distractions like USB
keys, outdated file attachments, or confusing client software. Anytime, anywhere access Google Docs lets users be productive
at school, at home, and even on their mobile phones. Because Google Docs runs in a web browser, students can work from
almost any family computer without having to purchase new software. Easily upload and share files Google Docs works on PC,
Mac, and Linux computers, and supports popular formats such as .doc, .xls, .ppt, and .pdf. Files stored on Google Docs are
always accessible and backed-up online. Smarter commenting, better feedback Google Docs' intuitive commenting feature is
ideal for instructor and collaborator feedback. Revision history allows users to review document edits over time.
Boxtops for Education -- Every year LSSHP collects over $1000 through this program. Each boxtop is worth 10 cents, and those individual boxtops really add up! Here are some tips to keep in mind when collecting boxtops:
Only non-expired, official boxtops coupons count (no cut out logos) – and YES, they do check!!
No Betty Crocker or Campbell’s Soup labels… they do not count in this program.
Go to http://www.btfe.com/products to see the official list of products
Clipping and trimming the boxtops really helps our volunteers, but please be careful not to cut
off the expiration date.
You can send in your collected boxtops at any time, but be on the lookout for special
collection sheets and contests throughout the school year! A new collection sheet was just
sent home last week, and is due back on January 17. You could win a Chipotle gift card by
turning in your BoxTops sheet!
School Store to Open in January
Shortly after winter break, the Student Council is expected to open up a school store. Some sixth grade
students recently went through some school store supply catalogs and picked out an assortment of items
that will be sold, such as pencils, pens, erasers, keychains and some other fun items. Since this is the
first time the store is open, inventory may be adjusted going forward depending on demand. All items
are expected to be very reasonably priced. The store will be open in the mornings just as school is
opening, and will be staffed by Student Council representatives. Any store profits will be given to the
Student Council to fund their activities. Operating the store will help promote responsibility and math
skills, among other things. We could use some parent volunteers to come in the mornings on a regular
basis to help supervise; if you are interested, please contact Nannette Henderson at
Lightning Tracks 8
Lorton Station Shop & Earn
Easy and Free… you can help Lorton Station’s School & Home
Partnership earn money throughout the year with these great programs!!
Giant A+ School Rewards -- Register your Giant Bonus Card to help LSSHP earn
cash every time you shop at Giant from now until the end of March 2013. Every year you need to re-
register for this program, so even if you have registered in the past please take a minute to re-register
again for this year.
Visit www.giantfood.com/aplus to register your card today! School ID: 04506
You will need your card number to register (not your phone number) -- Don’t have your card number
anymore? Call the BonusCard hotline at 1-877-366-2668, option 2, to register.
Food Lion Classroom Rewards -- Earn money for our school when you
shop at Food Lion. The following brands will help to earn cash for our school: Food Lion Private
Brand, My Essentials, Healthy Accents, Home 360, Nature’s Place, Smart Option, Taset of
Inspirations, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef. The 10th of each month is double points day!! All Food
Lion brand product purchases will receive double credit on the 10th of each month.
To enroll your card, visit www.foodlion.com, click on the “Community Outreach” link, then click on
“MVP Rewards” on the left side. Click on “Register your MVP Card” to register your card today!
School ID: 217678 Please Note: You will need your 12 digit card number to register.
E-Recycling -- Want to do something good for the environment and Lorton Station at the same
time? Simply bring your old inkjet & laser cartridges (HP, Brother, Canon, and other brand names),
cell phones, digital cameras, GPS units and even laptops to school and deposit them in the front office
collection bin—submitting these items through the eScrip Recycling program earns the SHP additional
money! See http://recycling.groups.escrip.com/ for more info.
Lightning Tracks 9
Earn cash for our school by starting your online shopping at
iGive.com. Free to join, free to use… it’s paid for by the stores. By registering and using the
iGive.com link, up to 26% of your purchase at over 1,000 great stores is automatically donated to your
cause. Stores include Lands End, Amazon, Zappos, eBay, Travelocity, Best Buy, Office Depot, Home
Depot, Staples and many many more. PLUS, you can save money with exclusive coupons/free
shipping deals. iGive.com provides two fundraising opportunities: earning rewards for LSES for
online shopping, or simply for searching the Internet! To get started, simply go to
http://www.igive.com/lortonstation.
Hint: Make iGive.com your starting page when doing your Holiday shopping!
Go to www.iGive.com to register and get started, and enter “Lorton Station” in the search for a cause!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING BARNES AND NOBLE FAMILY NIGHT!
Thank you to those who came out on December 6th
to support the SHP. We had a fun
event that included performances by the band and strings classes, a reading of the Polar
Express, and holiday card making. Sales from the event total approximately $2,800.
Part of those proceeds are returned back to the SHP and are used for staff/teacher
appreciation near the end of the year.
Check out the new blog from the art teachers!
Go to the Lorton Station website, and click on
the “For Students” bar to get to the art blog.
There are lots of great pictures of students from
all grade levels working on a variety of art
projects. The art teachers have also put up an art
gallery in school at the entrance of the gym and
cafeteria, so make sure you check it out next
time you are in school!
The PE teachers are also expected to start a blog
soon.
Lightning Tracks 10
Lightning Tracks is published quarterly as a joint project
of Lorton Station Elementary School and the SHP.
Articles are strictly for the purpose of keeping parents
and staff informed and do not take stands on any issue.
Information provided by vendors or candidates for public
office will not be accepted. We want to hear from you!
If you would like to submit articles, news of events,
comments, or suggestions, please contact Dee Dee Brooks,
Newsletter Editor, at [email protected].
About Lightning Tracks:
Do you miss Family Movie Night?? We do
too!! We need a parent volunteer (or two!) to
volunteer to coordinate Family Movie Nights this
year. If you haven't attended one in years past,
these are great family fun. A family friendly movie
is shown (typically in the cafeteria) free of charge
to the LSE community. Snacks and drinks are
provided with donation. If you are interested in
helping to coordinate these events, please contact
SHP 1st VP Betty Dang at [email protected].
School Hours
Mondays: 9:10 am -1:20 pm
Tuesdays-Fridays: 9:10 am - 3:50pm Children should arrive at school no earlier than 8:45 am. We cannot assume responsibility for their supervision before this time.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00am to 4:30 pm
Transportation
Information about transportation is available at the school or by calling 703.446.2150
School Age Child Care
Before and after school age child care (SACC) is available. For more information, visit: www.co.fairfax.va.us/service/ofc/sacc.htm
Cafeteria Prices
Breakfast: Student: $1.50
Adult: $1.95
Lunch: Student: $2.65
Adult: $3.65 Available as a daily menu choice: Yogurt with pretzel, a deli, and chef’s salad. Daily a la carte items also available. Meal cards are available.